WALLED CITY
AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

STRADUN – Main street of Dubrovnik surrounded by numerous allies each and every one telling its own secret. According to the name of the street one could tell where the Jewish ghetto used to be, where goldsmiths had their shops… Main street of Dubrovnik is called Stradun but its name doesn’t really describe it very well… Stradone is an Italian word for too big, too wide and too ugly street… I keep on looking where that ugliness lies but can’t seem to find it...

MASKERON – the gargoyle head on the wall of the Franciscan monastery built as a rain drainage. Not hard to find it, there is always a huge line in front of it – everyone trying to step on it and take off the
T-shirt.
ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM RUPE – did you know that in Medieval Dubrovnik existed a law that did not allow their citizens to dress the way they wanted and that it was not allowed to dress gown on a regular day? In Ethnographic museum Rupe nice dresses from Dubrovnik and its surroundings can be seen.

THE ORPHANAGE - The Republic of Dubrovnik was always ahead of their times, the pharmacy, and prohibition of the slavery but the orphanage as well. Established in the early 15 century the Orphanage was not only for the abandoned children and hopeless citizens from the city but from the surrounding villages as well. Situated not far from the main gate the orphanage had the secret entrance for the babies that were brought by the lady from the family. It had to be a lady because no one was allowed to stop a lady wandering the streets of Dubrovnik by night. Even the law protected their secrets.

MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE TOWN – no secret can be kept here. Just above the main entrance to the Old Town of Dubrovnik, three heads engraved in stone, placed here so everyone could see it lays revealed story about the secret, forbidden love.
ST ROCCO’S CHURCH – holds one of the first graffiti from 1597, a threat to young kids playing on the street: PAX. VOBIS. MEMENTO MORI QVI. LVDETIS PILA or ‘’Let the peace be with you, remember you will all die, you who play with the ball’’

ORLANDO – one of the symbols of the city, Orlando and his sword. His original name is Roland but Dubrovnik had to adjust him to the City by changing his name into Orlando, a proper, native local. Although wind, rain, earthquakes fought against him Orlando still stands high holding his sword tight in the middle of the main square for centuries.
SYNAGOGUE - Located in one of the many tiny streets of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, it is connected to a neighboring building which has long been owned by the Tolentino family, who have been caretakers of the synagogue for centuries. It is the oldest Sephardic synagogue still in use today in the world and the second oldest synagogue in Europe. It is said to have been established in 1352, but gained legal status in the city in 1408. Owned by the local Jewish community, the main floor still is in function as a place of worship for Holy days and special occasions, but is now mainly a city museum which hosts numerous Jewish ritual items and centuries-old artifacts.

STAIRWAY TO DOMINICAN MONASTERY – journey back to the times when the ankles had to be hidden. Well known Dubrovnik’s moral related to rigorous upbringing and good manners did not allow the ankles to be seen while climbing up the steps. The protection of one’s moral was more important than art and architecture therefore the voids between the pillars had to be closed.

THE SURROUNDINGS

LOKRUM ISLAND – when the Senate decided to evict the Benedictine’s priests from this heavenly island they didn’t take the note well. The legend says priests rowed around the islet during the night, holding the candelas upside down while cursing the grounds… To cancel the curse one has to collect all the wax dropped to the seas that night. Cursed or not, Lokrum holds so many beautiful secrets that any visitor to Dubrovnik should come and explore.

SOKOL FORT – Fortress and defensive fort but also a place of suffering, fear and pain. Its main role used to be protection from the invaders coming from the North and to defend the Konavle. Soldiers came from Dubrovnik to guard, closed inside the fort for over 6 months, highly controlled and looked upon so no misbehaving would happen. Even the chaplain was not allowed to leave the fort, nor to let anyone enter it….

SALT PLANTS IN STON– the oldest salt plants in Europe, dated from 14 century and still in function. Built after the Republic bought Ston and soon became one of the most significant resources with over 16 000 ducat’s per year. Names of the saints were given to each and every basin except one that carries the name Mundo – the people.

TRSTENO - The Arboretum botanical garden located in Trsteno is one of the most famous in the region and dates back to 15th century when it was firstly mentioned. The place of exuberant vegetation that proves Mediterranean climate is good for everyone and everything. Here you will have the chance to see over 2,500 exotic and Mediterranean plants and trees. This protected natural monument is an ideal place to visit and to walk its cool and shaded paths, and to learn about its rich history, lush flora and beautiful plants.